Fuel compositions

ABSTRACT

Low sulphur marine fuel compositions are provided. Embodiments comprise greater than 50 to 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component, with the remaining 10 to 50 wt % selected from a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and a combination thereof. Embodiments of the marine fuel composition can have a sulphur content of about 0.1 wt % or less.

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/002,005, filed May 22, 2014 and, claims priority toEuropean Patent Application No. 14173748.6, filed Jun. 24, 2014, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, whichmay be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework tofacilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section shouldbe read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of any priorart.

The present disclosure generally relates to marine fuel compositions,specifically marine fuel compositions comprising at least one residualhydrocarbon component.

Marine vessels used in global shipping typically run on marine fuels,which can also be referred to as bunker fuels. Marine fuels includedistillate-based and residues-based (“resid-based”) marine fuels.Resid-based marine fuels are usually preferred because they tend to costless than other fuels, but they often, and typically, have higher sulfurlevels due to the cracked and/or residual hydrocarbon components thattypically make up the resid-based marine fuels. The InternationalMaritime Organization (IMO), however, imposes increasingly morestringent requirements on sulfur content of marine fuels used globally.In addition, IMO imposes more strict marine fuel sulfur levels inspecific regions known as Emission Control Areas, or ECAs. Theregulations will require a low-sulfur marine fuel with a maximum sulfurcontent of 0.1 wt % (1000 wppm) for the ECA in the near future. Oneconventional way of meeting the lower sulfur requirements for marinevessels is through the use of distillate-based fuels (e.g., diesel) withsulfur levels typically significantly below the sulfur levels specifiedin the IMO regulations. The distillate-based fuels, however, typicallyhave a high cost premium and limited flexibility in blending components.For instance, use of heavy and highly aromatic components in adistillate-based low-sulfur marine fuel is limited because of thedensity, MCR content, appearance (color), and cetane specificationsimposed on marine distillate fuels. A distinct advantage thatresid-based marine fuel oils have over distillate-based marine fuels isthat they can incorporate heavy and aromatic components into theirformulations because of their product specifications. This allows moreflexible use of available blending components for marine fuel oilproduction and results in lower cost fuels. Further, the use of heavyand highly aromatic components possible in resid-based marine fuelblends allows higher density fuels to be produced.

While there are some publications that disclose the desirability oflowering the sulfur content of marine fuels, there is still a need forlow-sulfur marine fuels with at least one residual hydrocarboncomponent. Exemplary publications include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,006,076, and7,651,605, and WO2012135247.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a marine fuelcomposition comprising: 50 to 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarboncomponent; and 10 to 50 wt % selected from a group consisting of anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sulphurcontent is in a range of 400 to 1000 wppm. Additionally or alternately,the marine fuel composition exhibits at least one of the followingcharacteristics: a hydrogen sulfide content of at most 2.0 mg/kg; anacid number of at most 2.5 mg KOH per gram; a sediment content of atmost 0.1 wt %; a water content of at most 0.5 vol %; and an ash contentof at most 0.15 wt %. Additionally or alternately, the marine fuelcomposition has at least one of the following: a density at 15 degreesC. in a range of 0.870 to 1.010 g/cm³, a kinematic viscosity at 50degrees C. in a range of 1 to 700 cSt, a pour point of −30 to 35 degreesC., and a flash point of at least 60 degrees C. In some embodiments, theresidual hydrocarbon component has a sulfur content of at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.2 wt %, at most 0.4 wt % or at most 0.2 wt %.

In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarbon component is selected froma group consisting of long residues (ATB), short residues (VTB), and acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarboncomponent comprises long residues (ATB) which exhibit at least one ofthe following: a pour point in a range of ˜19.0 to 64 degrees C., aflash point in a range of 80 to 213 degrees C.; an acid number of up to8.00 mgKOH/g; a density at ˜15 degrees C. of at most about 1.1 g/cc; anda kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. in a range of 1.75 to 15000 cSt.In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarbon component comprises afirst long residue (ATB) which exhibits at least one of the following apour point of about 45 degrees C, a flash point of about 124 degrees C.;a density at ˜15 degrees C. of about 0.91 g/cm³, and a kinematicviscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of about 165 cSt.

In some embodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises at least 60%of the first long residue. In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarboncomponent comprises a second long residue (ATB) which exhibits at leastone of the following a pour point of about ˜2 degrees C., a flash pointof about 207 degrees C.; a density at ˜15 degrees C. of about 0.94g/cm³, and a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of about 880 cSt. Insome embodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises at least 20 wt %of the first long residue and at least 30% of the second long residue.In some embodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises at least 32wt % of the second long residue. In some embodiments, the marine fuelcomposition comprises at least 32% of the first long residue. In someembodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises at least 60 wt % ofthe residual hydrocarbon component. In some embodiments, the marine fuelcomposition comprises at least 70 wt % of the residual hydrocarboncomponent. In some embodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises atleast 80 wt % of the residual hydrocarbon component. In someembodiments, the marine fuel composition comprises at least 90 wt % ofthe residual hydrocarbon component.

In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarbon component comprises shortresidues (VTB) which exhibit at least one of the following: a density at15 degrees C. in a range of 0.8 to 1.1 g/cc; a pour point in a range of˜15.0 to 95 degrees C., a flash point in a range of 220 to 335 degreesC.; an acid number of up to 8.00 mgKOH/g; and a kinematic viscosity at50 degrees C. in a range of 3.75 to 15000 cSt. In some embodiments, thenon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component is selected from a groupconsisting of light cycle oil (LCO), heavy cycle oil (HCO), fluidcatalytic cracking (FCC) cycle oil, FCC slurry oil, pyrolysis gas oil,cracked light gas oil (CLGO), cracked heavy gas oil (CHGO), pyrolysislight gas oil (PLGO), pyrolysis heavy gas oil (PHGO), thermally crackedresidue, thermally cracked heavy distillate, coker heavy distillates,and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the marine fuelcomposition wherein the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component isselected from a group consisting of vacuum gas oil (VGO), coker diesel,coker gas oil, coker VGO, thermally cracked VGO, thermally crackeddiesel, thermally cracked gas oil, Group I slack waxes, lube oilaromatic extracts, deasphalted oil (DAO), and any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component isselected from a group consisting of coker kerosene, thermally crackedkerosene, gas-to-liquids (GTL) wax, GTL hydrocarbons, straight-rundiesel, straight-run kerosene, straight run gas oil (SRGO), and anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent is selected from a group consisting of low-sulfur diesel (LSD)having a sulphur content of less than 500 wppm, ultra low-sulfur diesel(ULSD) having a sulphur content of less than 15 wppm; hydrotreated LCO;hydrotreated HCO; hydrotreated FCC cycle oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis gasoil, hydrotreated PLGO, hydrotreated PHGO, hydrotreated CLGO,hydrotreated CHGO, hydrotreated coker heavy distillates, hydrotreatedthermally cracked heavy distillate, hydrotreated diesel oil, and anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component isselected from a group consisting of hydrotreated coker diesel,hydrotreated coker gas oil, hydrotreated thermally cracked diesel,hydrotreated thermally cracked gas oil, hydrotreated VGO, hydrotreatedcoker VGO, hydrotreated residues, hydrocracker bottoms, hydrotreatedthermally cracked VGO, and hydrotreated hydrocracker DAO, and anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent is selected from a group consisting of ultra low sulfurkerosene (ULSK), hydrotreated jet fuel, hydrotreated kerosene,hydrotreated coker kerosene, hydrocracker diesel, hydrocracker kerosene,hydrotreated thermally cracked kerosene, and any combination thereof.

Advantages and other features of embodiments of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description. It shouldbe understood, however, that the detailed description and the specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to marine fuels, specificallymarine fuels with low sulfur content comprising at least one residualhydrocarbon component. The present disclosure provides a marine fuelthat has a residual hydrocarbon component in an amount in a range ofgreater than 50 wt % to 90 wt %. The fuel compositions provided by thepresent disclosure are able to meet the low-sulfur requirements as wellas meet fuels standard specifications, such as the marine fuels standardISO 8217 (2010). Such fuels standard specifications are part of commongeneral knowledge in the art. For instance, in the marine fuels field,it is known that ISO 8217 provides standard specifications: one set ofspecifications for marine distillate fuel and a separate set ofspecifications for marine residual fuel. While it is part of the commongeneral knowledge, the ISO 8217 (2010) specifications for various typesof marine fuels are reproduced below.

ISO 8217 2010 FUEL STANDARD ISO 8217 2010 Fuel Standard for marinedistillate fuels MARINE DISTILLATE FUELS Limit Parameter DMX DMA DMZ DMBMax Viscosity at 40° C. (mm²/s) 5.500 6.000 6.000 11.00 Min. Viscosityat 40°C. (mm²/s) 1.400 2.000 3.000 2.000 Max. Micro Carbon Residues at10% Residue (% m/m) 0.30 0.30 0.30 — Max. Density at 15° C. (kg/m3) —890.0 890.0 900.0 Max. Micro Carbon Residue (% m/m) — — — 0.30 Max.Sulphur (% m/m) 1.00 1.50 1.50 2.00 Max. Water (% V/V) — — — 0.30 Max.Total sediment by hot filtration (% m/m) — — — 0.10 Max. Ash (% m/m)0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 Min. Flash point (0° C.) 43.0 60.0 60.0 60.0Max. Pour point in Summer (0° C.) — 0 0 6 Max. Pour point in Winter (°C.) — −6 −6 0 Max. Cloud point (° C.) −16 — — — Min. Calculated CetaneIndex 45 40 40 35 Max. Add Number (mgKOH/g) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Max.Oxidation stability (g/m³) 25 25 25 25 Max. Lubricity corrected wearscar diameter (wsd 1.4 at 60° C.) (um) 520 520 520 520 Max. Hydrogensulphide (mg/kg) 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Appearance Clear & Bright —

In one embodiment, one property of the marine fuel composition is adensity at 15 degrees C. of greater than 830 kg/m³ as measured by asuitable standard method known to one of ordinary skill in the art, suchas ASTM D4052. The marine fuel composition preferably meets the marineresidual fuels standard of ISO 8217 (2010).

The marine fuel preferably has a micro carbon residue of greater than0.30% m/m, as measured by a suitable standard method known to one ofordinary skill in the art, such as ASTM D4530 or ISO 10370. Inparticular, the marine fuel has a micro carbon residue of at least 0.50%m/m, at least 1.00% m/m, at least 1.50% m/m, at least 2.00% m/m, atleast 2.50% m/m, at least 3.00% m/m, at least 3.50% m/m, at least 4.00%m/m, at least 4.50% m/m, at least 5.00% m/m, at least 5.50% m/m, atleast 6.00% m/m, at least 6.50% m/m, at least 7.00% m/m, at least 7.50%m/m, at least 8.00% m/m, at least 8.50% m/m, at least 9.00% m/m, atleast 9.50% m/m, at least 10.00% m/m, at least 10.50% m/m, at least11.00% m/m, at least 11.50% m/m, at least 12.00% m/m, at least 12.50%m/m, at least 13.00% m/m, at least 13.50% m/m, at least 14.00% m/m, atleast 14.50% m/m, at least 15.00% m/m, at least 15.50% m/m, at least16.00% m/m, at least 16.50% m/m, at least 17.00% m/m, at least 17.50%m/m, at least 18.00% m/m, at least 18.50% m/m, at least 19.00% m/m, atleast 19.50% m/m, or at least 20.00% m/m. In another instance, themarine fuel has a micro carbon residue of at most 2.50% m/m, at most10.00% m/m, at most 14.00% m/m, at most 15.00% m/m, at most 18.00% m/m,or at most 20.00% m/m. Preferably, the marine fuel can have a microcarbon number in a range of greater than 0.30% m/m and 20.00% m/m,particularly any amount or range in between as specified here orotherwise.

Carbon residue tests, such as the Micro Carbon Residue (MCR) Test or theASTM test for Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR), are primarily used onresidual fuels since the distillate fuels that are satisfactory in otherrespects do not have high amounts of carbon residue. It is understoodthat the MCR and CCR tests are also used for distillate fuels to confirmthat they contain an acceptable amount of carbon residue content below aspecified level. This is reflected in the ISO 8217 limiting the amountof micro carbon residue to a maximum of 0.30% m/m for marine distillatefuels. Because of the difference in the MCR and CCR results betweendistillate and residual fuels, the MCR and CCR tests can be used as anindication of contamination of distillate fuel by residual fuel.

As mentioned, the marine fuel composition described herein comprises ina range of greater than 50 to 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarboncomponent and at least about 10 to less than 50 wt % of other componentsselected from the group consisting of a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and a combinationthereof. According to one aspect, the amount and material of theresidual hydrocarbon component may be selected first, and the amount andmaterial of the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component and/orhydroprocessed hydrocarbon component can be determined based on theirproperties in view of the residual hydrocarbon component selection toform a marine fuel composition that meets the desired application, suchas to meet a particular specification or regulation requirement.

In one embodiment, the marine fuel composition includes a residualhydrocarbon component in a range of about 50 to 90 wt % while stillmaintaining the sulfur content to meet regulations. In some embodiments,the marine fuel composition comprises about 50 to 90 wt %, of theresidual hydrocarbon component. For example, the marine fuel compositionmay comprise at least 50 wt %, at least 55 wt %, at least 60 wt %, atleast 65 wt %, at least 70 wt %, at least 75 wt %, at least 80 wt %, atleast 85 wt %, and 90 wt %. The marine fuel composition may comprise atmost about 90 wt %, for example, at most 85 wt %, at most 80 wt %, atmost 75 wt %, at most 70 wt %, at most 65 wt %, at most 60 wt %, at most55 wt %, or 50 wt %. In one embodiment, the marine fuel compositioncomprises greater than 50 wt % of the residual hydrocarbon component.The residual hydrocarbon component can include any suitable residualhydrocarbon component, including long residues, short residues, or acombination thereof. The term “residual” or “residual hydrocarboncomponent” is understood to refer to residues that remain fromdistillation processes; that is, materials which are not distilled as anoverhead or distillate fraction and remain behind in the distillationtower. For instance, a residual hydrocarbon component can includeresidues obtained as residues in the distillation of crude mineral oilunder atmospheric pressure, producing straight run distillate fractionsand a first residual oil, which is called “long residue” (or atmospherictower bottoms (ATB)). The long residue is usually distilled atsub-atmospheric pressure to yield one or more so called “vacuumdistillates” and a second residual oil, which is called “short residue”(or vacuum tower bottoms (VTB)).

In a particular embodiment, the residual hydrocarbon component used hasa sulfur content of less than about 0.4 wt %, for example, less thanabout 0.2 wt %. The residual hydrocarbon component with a sulfur contentof less than about 0.4 wt % may be selected from at least one of longresidues (ATB) and short residues (VTB). Preferably, at least 10.0 wt %of the residual hydrocarbon component has a boiling point of at least435 degrees C., such as at least 12.5 wt %, at least 15.0 wt %, at least17.5 wt %, or at least 20.0 wt % of the residual hydrocarbon componenthas a boiling point of at least 435 degrees C.

The residual hydrocarbon component preferably has a micro carbon residueof at least 0.10% m/m, at least 0.15% m/m, at least 0.20% m/m, at least0.25% m/m, at least 0.30% m/m, at least 0.35% m/m, at least 4.0% m/m, ofat least 0.50% m/m, at least 1.00% m/m, at least 1.50% m/m, at least2.00% m/m, at least 2.50% m/m, at least 3.00% m/m, at least 3.50% m/m,at least 4.00% m/m, at least 4.50% m/m, at least 5.00% m/m, at least5.50% m/m, at least 6.00% m/m, at least 6.50% m/m, at least 7.00% m/m,at least 7.50% m/m, at least 8.00% m/m, at least 8.50% m/m, at least9.00% m/m, at least 9.50% m/m, at least 10.00% m/m, at least 10.50% m/m,at least 11.00% m/m, at least 11.50% m/m, at least 12.00% m/m, at least12.50% m/m, at least 13.00% m/m, at least 13.50% m/m, at least 14.00%m/m, at least 14.50% m/m, at least 15.00% m/m, at least 15.50% m/m, atleast 16.00% m/m, at least 16.50% m/m, at least 17.00% m/m, at least17.50% m/m, at least 18.00% m/m, at least 18.50% m/m, at least 19.00%m/m, at least 19.50% m/m, or at least 20.00% m/m. The residualhydrocarbon component can also have a micro carbon residue of at most1.5% m/m, at most 2.00% m/m, at most 2.50% m/m, at most 5.00% m/m, atmost 7.50% m/m, at most 10.00% m/m, at most 12.50% m/m, at most 15.00%m/m, at most 17.50% m/m, or at most 20.00% m/m. Preferably, the residualhydrocarbon component can have a micro carbon number in a range of 0.10%m/m and 20.00% m/m, such as in a range of greater than 0.30% m/m and20.00% m/m, including any amount or range in between as specified hereor otherwise.

The long residues (ATB) may exhibit one or more of the followingproperties: a density at ˜15 degrees C. of at most about 1.0 g/cc (org/cm³), for example, at most 0.95 g/cc, at most 0.90 g/cc, at most 0.85g/cc, at most 0.80 g/cc, at most 0.75 g/cc, or at most 0.70 g/cc; adensity at ˜15 degrees C. of at least about 0.70 g/cc, for example, atleast 0.75 g/cc, at least 0.80 g/cc, at least 0.85 g/cc, at least 0.90g/cc, at least 0.95 g/cc, or at least 1.0 g/cc; a sulfur content ofabout at most 0.40 wt %, at most 0.35 wt %, at most 0.30 wt %, at most0.25 wt %, at most 0.20 wt %, at most 0.15 wt %, at most 0.10 wt %, atmost 0.05 wt %, or at most 0.01 wt %; a sulfur content of about at least0.01 wt %, at least 0.05 wt %, at least 0.10 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %,at least 0.20 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least 0.30 wt %, at least0.35 wt %, or at least 0.40 wt %; a pour point of at least about −20.0degrees C., such as −19.0 degrees C., for example, at least −15.0degrees C., at least −10.0 degrees C., at least −5.0 degrees C., atleast 0.0 degrees C., at least 5.0 degrees C., at least 10.0 degrees C.,at least 15.0 degrees C., at least 20.0 degrees C., at least 25.0degrees C., at least 30.0 degrees C., at least 35.0 degrees C., at least40.0 degrees C., at least 45.0 degrees C., at least 50.0 degrees C., atleast 55.0 degrees C., or at least 60.0 degrees C., such as 64.0 degreesC.; a pour point of at most about 65.0 degrees C., such as 64.0 degreesC., for example, at most 60.0 degrees C., at most 55.0 degrees C., atmost 50.0 degrees C., at most 45.0 degrees C., at most 40.0 degrees C.,at most 35.0 degrees C., at most 30.0 degrees C., at most 25.0 degreesC., at most 20.0 degrees C., at most 15.0 degrees C., at most 10.0degrees C., at most 5.0 degrees C., at most 0.0 degrees C., at most −5.0degrees C., at most −10.0 degrees C., at most −15.0 degrees C., such as−19.0 degrees C., or at most −20.0 degrees C.; a flash point of at leastabout 80 degrees C., for example, at least 85 degrees C., at least 90degrees C., at least 95 degrees C., at least 100 degrees C., at least105 degrees C., at least 110 degrees C., at least 115 degrees C., atleast 120 degrees C., at least 125 degrees C., at least 130 degrees C.,at least 135 degrees C., at least 140 degrees C., at least 145 degreesC., at least 150 degrees C., at least 155 degrees C., at least 160degrees C., at least 165 degrees C., at least 170 degrees C., at least175 degrees C., at least 180 degrees C., at least 185 degrees C., atleast 190 degrees C., at least 195 degrees C., at least 200 degrees C.,at least 205 degrees C., or at least 210 degrees C., such as 213 degreesC.; a flash point of at most about 213 degrees C., for example, at most210 degrees C., at most 205 degrees C., at most 200 degrees C., at most195 degrees C., at most 190 degrees C., at most 185 degrees C., at most180 degrees C., at most 175 degrees C., at most 170 degrees C., at most165 degrees C., at most 160 degrees C., at most 155 degrees C., at most150 degrees C., at most 145 degrees C., at most 140 degrees C., at most135 degrees C., at most 130 degrees C., at most 125 degrees C., at most120 degrees C., at most 115 degrees C., at most 110 degrees C., at most105 degrees C., at most 100 degrees C., at most 95 degrees C., at most90 degrees C., at most 85 degrees C., or at most 80 degrees C.; a totalacid number (TAN) of up to about 8.00 mgKOH/g, for example, at mostabout 7.50 mgKOH/g, at most 7.00 mgKOH/g, at most 6.50 mgKOH/g, at most6.00 mgKOH/g, at most 5.50 mgKOH/g, at most 5.00 mgKOH/g, at most 4.50mgKOH/g, at most 4.00 mgKOH/g, at most 3.50 mgKOH/g, at most 3.00mgKOH/g, at most 2.50 mgKOH/g, at most 2.00 mgKOH/g, at most 1.50mgKOH/g, at most 1.00 mgKOH/g, at most 0.50 mgKOH/g, at most 0.10mgKOH/g, or at most 0.05 mgKOH/g; a total acid number (TAN) of at leastabout 0.05 mgKOH/g, for example, at least 0.10 mgKOH/g, at least 0.50mgKOH/g, at least 1.00 mgKOH/g, at least 1.50 mgKOH/g, at least 2.00mgKOH/g, at least 2.50 mgKOH/g, at least 3.00 mgKOH/g, at least 3.50mgKOH/g, at least 4.00 mgKOH/g, at least 4.50 mgKOH/g, at least 5.00mgKOH/g, at least 5.50 mgKOH/g, at least 6.00 mgKOH/g, at least 6.50mgKOH/g, at least 7.00 mgKOH/g, at least 7.50 mgKOH/g, or at least 8.00mgKOH/g; a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of at least about 1.75cSt, for example, at least 100 cSt, at least 500 cSt, at least 1000 cSt,at least 1500 cSt, at least 2000 cSt, at least 2500 cSt, at least 3000cSt, at least 3500 cSt, at least 4000 cSt, at least 4500 cSt, at least5000 cSt, at least 5500 cSt, at least 6000 cSt, at least 6500 cSt, atleast 7000 cSt, at least 7500 cSt, at least 8000 cSt, at least 8500 cSt,at least 9000 cSt, at least 9500 cSt, at least 10000 cSt, at least 10500cSt, at least 11000 cSt, at least 11500 cSt, at least 12000 cSt, atleast 12500 cSt, at least 13000 cSt, at least 13500 cSt, at least 14000cSt, at least 14500 cSt, or at least 15000 cSt; a kinematic viscosity at˜50 degrees C. of at most about 15000 cSt, for example, at most 14500cSt, at most 14000 cSt, at most 13500 cSt, at most 13000 cSt, at most12500 cSt, at most 12000 cSt, at most 11500 cSt, at most 11000 cSt, atmost 10500 cSt, at most 10000 cSt, at most 9500 cSt, at most 9000 cSt,at most 8500 cSt, at most 8000 cSt, at most 7500 cSt, at most 7000 cSt,at most 6500 cSt, at most 6000 cSt, at most 5500 cSt, at most 5000 cSt,at most 4500 cSt, at most 4000 cSt, at most 3500 cSt, at most 3000 cSt,at most 2500 cSt, at most 2000 cSt, at most 1500 cSt, at most 1000 cSt,at most 500 cSt, at most 100 cSt, or at most 1.75 cSt.

The long residues (ATB) can have a similar micro carbon residue numberas that provided above for the residual hydrocarbon component. Forinstance, the long residues (ATB) can have a micro carbon residue numberof at least 0.10% m/m, at least 0.15% m/m, at least 0.20% m/m, at least0.25% m/m, at least 0.30% m/m, at least 0.35% m/m, at least 4.0% m/m, ofat least 0.50% m/m, at least 1.00% m/m, at least 1.50% m/m, at least2.00% m/m, at least 2.50% m/m, at least 3.00% m/m, at least 3.50% m/m,at least 4.00% m/m, at least 4.50% m/m, at least 5.00% m/m, at least5.50% m/m, at least 6.00% m/m, at least 6.50% m/m, at least 7.00% m/m,at least 7.50% m/m, at least 8.00% m/m, at least 8.50% m/m, at least9.00% m/m, at least 9.50% m/m, at least 10.00% m/m, at least 10.50% m/m,at least 11.00% m/m, at least 11.50% m/m, at least 12.00% m/m, at least12.50% m/m, at least 13.00% m/m, at least 13.50% m/m, at least 14.00%m/m, at least 14.50% m/m, at least 15.00% m/m, at least 15.50% m/m, atleast 16.00% m/m, at least 16.50% m/m, at least 17.00% m/m, at least17.50% m/m, at least 18.00% m/m, at least 18.50% m/m, at least 19.00%m/m, at least 19.50% m/m, or at least 20.00% m/m. The long residues(ATB) can also have a micro carbon residue of at most 1.5% m/m, at most2.00% m/m, at most 2.50% m/m, at most 5.00% m/m, at most 7.50% m/m, atmost 10.00% m/m, at most 12.50% m/m, at most 15.00% m/m, at most 17.50%m/m, or at most 20.00% m/m. Preferably, the long residues (ATB) can havea micro carbon number in a range of 0.10% m/m and 20.00% m/m, such as ina range of greater than 0.30% m/m and 20.00% m/m, including any amountor range in between as specified here or otherwise. Also, preferably, atleast 10 wt % of the long residues (ATB) can also have a boiling pointof at least 435 degrees C., including at least 12.5 wt %, at least 15 wt%, at least 17.5 wt %, or at least 20 wt % of the long residues (ATB)can also have a boiling point of at least 435 degrees C.

The short residues (VTB) may exhibit one or more of the followingproperties: a density at ˜15 degrees C. of at most about 1.1 g/cc, forexample, at most 1.05 g/cc, at most 1.00 g/cc, at most 0.95 g/cc, atmost 0.90 g/cc, at most 0.85 g/cc, or at most 0.80 g/cc; a density at˜15 degrees C. of at least about 0.80 g/cc, for example, at least 0.85g/cc, at least 0.90 g/cc, at least 0.95 g/cc, at least 1.0 g/cc, atleast 1.05 g/cc, or at least 1.10 g/cc; a sulfur content of about atmost 0.40 wt %, at most 0.35 wt %, at most 0.30 wt %, at most 0.25 wt %,at most 0.20 wt %, at most 0.15 wt %, at most 0.10 wt %, at most 0.05 wt%, or at most 0.01 wt %; a sulfur content of about at least 0.01 wt %,at least 0.05 wt %, at least 0.10 wt %, at least 0.15 wt %, at least0.20 wt %, at least 0.25 wt %, at least 0.30 wt %, at least 0.35 wt %,or at least 0.40 wt %; a pour point in a range of at least −15.0 degreesC., for example, at least −15.0 degrees C., at least −10 degrees C., atleast −5 degrees C., at least 0.0 degrees C., at least 5.0 degrees C.,at least 10.0 degrees C., at least 15.0 degrees C., at least 20.0degrees C., at least 25.0 degrees C., at least 30.0 degrees C., at least35.0 degrees C., at least 40.0 degrees C., at least 45.0 degrees C., atleast 50.0 degrees C., at least 55.0 degrees C., at least 60.0 degreesC. at least 65.0 degrees C., at least 70.0 degrees C., at least 75.0degrees C., at least 80.0 degrees C., at least 85.0 degrees C., at least90.0 degrees C., or at least 95.0 degrees C.; a pour point of at mostabout 95.0 degrees C., for example, at most 90.0 degrees C., at most85.0 degrees C., at most 80.0 degrees C., at most 75.0 degrees C., atmost 70.0 degrees C., at most 65.0 degrees C., at most 60.0 degrees C.,at most 55.0 degrees C., at most 50.0 degrees C., at most 45.0 degreesC., at most 40.0 degrees C., at most 35.0 degrees C., at most 30.0degrees C., at most 25.0 degrees C., at most 20.0 degrees C., at most15.0 degrees C., at most 10.0 degrees C., at most 5.0 degrees C., atmost 0.0 degrees C., at most −5.0 degrees C., at most −10 degrees C., atmost −15.0 degrees C.; a flash point of at least about 220 degrees C.,for example, at least 225 degrees C., at least 230 degrees C., at least235 degrees C., at least 240 degrees C., at least 245 degrees C., atleast 250 degrees C., at least 255 degrees C., at least 260 degrees C.,at least 265 degrees C., at least 270 degrees C., at least 275 degreesC., at least 280 degrees C., at least 285 degrees C., at least 290degrees C., at least 295 degrees C., at least 300 degrees C., at least305 degrees C., at least 310 degrees C., at least 315 degrees C., atleast 320 degrees C., at least 325 degrees C., at least 330 degrees C.,or at least 335 degrees C.; a flash point of at most about 335 degreesC., for example, at most 330 degrees C., at most 325 degrees C., at most320 degrees C., at most 315 degrees C., at most 310 degrees C., at most305 degrees C., at most 300 degrees C., at most 295 degrees C., at most290 degrees C., at most 285 degrees C., at most 280 degrees C., at most275 degrees C., at most 270 degrees C., at most 265 degrees C., at most260 degrees C., at most 255 degrees C., at most 250 degrees C., at most245 degrees C., at most 240 degrees C., at most 235 degrees C., at most230 degrees C., at most 225 degrees C., or at most 220 degrees C.; atotal acid number (TAN) of up to about 8.00 mgKOH/g, for example, atmost about 7.50 mgKOH/g, at most 7.00 mgKOH/g, at most about 6.50mgKOH/g, at most 6.00 mgKOH/g, at most 5.50 mgKOH/g, at most 5.00mgKOH/g, at most 4.50 mgKOH/g, at most 4.00 mgKOH/g, at most 3.50mgKOH/g, at most 3.00 mgKOH/g, at most 2.50 mgKOH/g, at most 2.00mgKOH/g, at most 1.50 mgKOH/g, at most 1.00 mgKOH/g, at most 0.50mgKOH/g, at most 0.10 mgKOH/g, or at most 0.05 mgKOH/g; a total acidnumber (TAN) of at least about 0.05 mgKOH/g, for example, at least 0.10mgKOH/g, at least 0.50 mgKOH/g, at least 1.00 mgKOH/g, at least 1.50mgKOH/g, at least 2.00 mgKOH/g, at least 2.50 mgKOH/g, at least 3.00mgKOH/g, at least 3.50 mgKOH/g, at least 4.00 mgKOH/g, at least 4.50mgKOH/g, at least 5.00 mgKOH/g, at least 5.50 mgKOH/g, at least 6.00mgKOH/g, at least 6.50 mgKOH/g, at least 7.00 mgKOH/g, at least 7.50mgKOH/g, or at least 8.00 mgKOH/g; a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degreesC. of at least about 3.75 cSt, for example, at least 100 cSt, at least500 cSt, at least 1000 cSt, at least 1500 cSt, at least 2000 cSt, atleast 2500 cSt, at least 3000 cSt, at least 3500 cSt, at least 4000 cSt,at least 4500 cSt, at least 5000 cSt, at least 5500 cSt, at least 6000cSt, at least 6500 cSt, at least 7000 cSt, at least 7500 cSt, at least8000 cSt, at least 8500 cSt, at least 9000 cSt, at least 9500 cSt, atleast 10000 cSt, at least 10500 cSt, at least 11000 cSt, at least 11500cSt, at least 12000 cSt, at least 12500 cSt, at least 13000 cSt, atleast 13500 cSt, at least 14000 cSt, at least 14500 cSt, or at most15000 cSt; a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of at most about15000 cSt, for example, at most 14500 cSt, at most 14000 cSt, at most13500 cSt, at most 13000 cSt, at most 12500 cSt, at most 12000 cSt, atmost 11500 cSt, at most 11000 cSt, at most 10500 cSt, at most 10000 cSt,at most 9500 cSt, at most 9000 cSt, at most 8500 cSt, at most 8000 cSt,at most 7500 cSt, at most 7000 cSt, at most 6500 cSt, at most 6000 cSt,at most 5500 cSt, at most 5000 cSt, at most 4500 cSt, at most 4000 cSt,at most 3500 cSt, at most 3000 cSt, at most 2500 cSt, at most 2000 cSt,at most 1500 cSt, at most 1000 cSt, at most 500 cSt, or at most 3.75cSt. The characteristics can be determined using any suitablestandardized test method, such as ASTM D445 for viscosity, ASTM D4294for sulfur content, ASTM D9 for flash point, and ASTM D97 for pourpoint.

The short residues (VTB) can have a similar or higher micro carbonresidue number as that provided above for the residual hydrocarboncomponent. For instance, the short residues (VTB) can further have microcarbon residue number of at least 1.5% m/m, at least 2.00% m/m, at least2.50% m/m, at least 5.00% m/m, at least 7.50%/m/m, at least 10.00% m/m,at least 12.50% m/m, at least 15.00% m/m, at least 17.50% m/m, at least20.00% m/m, at least 22.50% m/m, at least 25.00% m/m, at least 27.50%m/m, at least 30.00% m/m, at least 32.50% m/m, at least 35.00% m/m, atleast 37.50% m/m, at least 40.00% m/m, at least 42.50% m/m, at least45.00% m/m, at least 47.50% m/m, at least 50% m/m, at least 52.50% m/m,at least 55.00% m/m, or at least 60.00% m/m. The short residues (VTB)can also have a micro carbon residue number of at most 1.50% m/m, atmost 2.00% m/m, at most 2.50% m/m, at most 5.00% m/m, at most 7.50% m/m,at most 10.00% m/m, at most 12.50% m/m, at most 15.00% m/m, at most17.50% m/m, at most 22.50% m/m, at most 25.00% m/m, at most 27.50% m/m,at most 30.00% m/m, at most 32.50% m/m, at most 35.00% m/m, at most37.50% m/m, at most 40.00% m/m, at most 42.50% m/m, at most 45.00% m/m,at most 47.50% m/m, at most 50% m/m, at most 52.50% m/m, at most 55.00%m/m, or at most 60/00% m/m. Preferably, the short residues (VTB) has amicro carbon residue number in a range of 0.10% m/m and 60.00% m/m, suchas in a range of greater than 0.30% m/m and 60.00% m/m, including anyamount or range in between as specified here or otherwise.

In a particular embodiment, the residual hydrocarbon component may beselected from a group consisting of long residues (ATB), short residues(VTB), and a combination thereof, where the long residues may exhibitone or more of the following characteristics: a density at ˜15 degreesC. in a range of about 0.7 to 1.0 g/cc; a sulfur content in a range ofabout 0.01 to 0.40 wt %; a pour point in a range of about −19.0 to 64.0degrees C.; a flash point in a range of about 80 to 213 degrees C.; atotal acid number (TAN) of up to about 8.00 mgKOH/g; and a kinematicviscosity at ˜50 degrees C. in a range of about 1.75 to 15000 cSt; andwhere the short residues (VTB) may exhibit one or more of the followingproperties: a density at ˜15 degrees C. in a range of about 0.8 to 1.1g/cc; a sulfur content in a range of about 0.01 to 0.40 wt %; a pourpoint in a range of about ˜15.0 to 95 degrees C.; a flash point in arange of about 220 to 335 degrees C.; a total acid number (TAN) of up toabout 8.00 mgKOH/g; and a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. in arange of about 3.75 to 15000 cSt. It is understood that there can bedifferent kinds of long and short residues that exhibit variousproperties as described above that may be similar or different to eachother. One or more kinds of long and/or short residues exhibiting one ormore characteristics provided above may be used to provide the residualhydrocarbon component in the desired amount, e.g., in a range of 50 to90 wt % of the overall marine fuel composition.

In some embodiments, the residual hydrocarbon component comprises twotypes of long residues (ATB). For example, one type of long residues mayexhibit one or more of the following characteristics: a density at ˜15degrees C. of about 0.910 g/cc; a sulfur content of about 1000 wppm; apour point of about 45 degrees C.; a flash point of about 124 degreesC.; and a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of about 165 cSt. Thesecond type of long residues may exhibit one or more of the followingcharacteristics: a density at ˜15 degrees C. of about 0.941 g/cc; asulfur content of about 1130 wppm; a pour point of about ˜2 degrees C.;a flash point of about 207 degrees C.; and a kinematic viscosity at ˜50degrees C. of about 880 cSt.

The remaining about 10 to 50 wt % of the marine fuel composition cancomprise one or more hydrocarbon components other than the residualhydrocarbon component, where the one or more hydrocarbon components isselected from a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, ahydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and a combination thereof. Forexample, the marine fuel composition may comprise the non-hydroprocessedhydrocarbon component in an amount of at least 5 wt %, at least 10 wt %,at least 15 wt %, at least 20 wt %, at least 25 wt %, at least 30 wt %,at least 40 wt %, at least 45 wt %, or 50 wt %. The marine fuelcomposition may comprise the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component inan amount of at most 50 wt %, at most 45 wt %, at most 40 wt %, at most35 wt %, at most 30 wt %, at most 25 wt %, at most 20 wt %, at most 25wt %, at most 20 wt %, at most 15 wt %, at most 10 wt %, at most 5 wt %,or none. In one embodiment, the marine fuel composition comprisesgreater than about 10 wt % of the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, such as about 11 wt %, 12 wt %, 13 wt %, 14 wt %, or 15 wt %;or greater than 15 wt %, such as about 16 wt %, 17 wt %, 18 wt %, 19 wt%, or 20 wt %; or greater than 20 wt %, such as about 21 wt %, 22 wt %,23 wt %, 24 wt %, or 25 wt %. In some embodiments, thenon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon includes hydrocarbon products derivedfrom oil cuts or cuts of a petrochemical origin which have not beensubjected to hydrotreatment or hydroprocessing (HT). Non-limitingexamples of hydrotreatment or hydroprocessing includes hydrocracking,hydrodeoxygenation, hydrodesulphurization, hydrodenitrogenation and/orhydroisomerization.

In a particular embodiment, the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon componentis selected from the group consisting of light cycle oil (LCO), heavycycle oil (HCO), fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) cycle oil, FCC slurryoil, pyrolysis gas oil, cracked light gas oil (CLGO), cracked heavy gasoil (CHGO), pyrolysis light gas oil (PLGO), pyrolysis heavy gas oil(PHGO), thermally cracked residue (also called tar or thermal tar),thermally cracked heavy distillate, coker heavy distillates, which isheavier than diesel, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments,in addition to or alternatively, the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent is selected from the group consisting of vacuum gas oil (VGO),coker diesel, coker gas oil, coker VGO, thermally cracked VGO, thermallycracked diesel, thermally cracked gas oil, Group I slack waxes, lube oilaromatic extracts, deasphalted oil (DAO), and any combination thereof.In yet another embodiment, in addition to or alternatively, thenon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component is selected from the groupconsisting of coker kerosene, thermally cracked kerosene, gas-to-liquids(GTL) wax, GTL hydrocarbons, straight-run diesel, straight-run kerosene,straight run gas oil (SRGO), and any combination thereof. Whilepreferred, a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component is not required ina marine fuel composition described herein, particularly when a residualhydrocarbon component and a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component canprovide the marine fuel composition with the requisite or desiredproperties. Also, one or more kinds of non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent may be used to provide the marine fuel composition with thedesired characteristics.

The materials listed above have their ordinary meaning as understood byone of ordinary skill in the art. For example, LCO is herein preferablyrefers to a fraction of FCC products of which at least 80 wt %, morepreferably at least 90 wt %, boils in the range from equal to or morethan 221° C. to less than 370° C. (at a pressure of 0.1 MegaPascal). HCOis herein preferably refers to a fraction of the FCC products of whichat least 80 wt %, more preferably at least 90 wt %, boils in the rangefrom equal to or more than 370° C. to less 425° C. (at a pressure of 0.1MegaPascal). Slurry oil is herein preferably refers to a fraction of theFCC products of which at least 80 wt %, more preferably at least 90 wt%, boils at or above 425° C. (at a pressure of 0.1 MegaPascal).

Additionally or alternatively, the marine fuel composition can comprisea hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component. For example, the marine fuelcomposition may comprise the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component in anamount of at least 5 wt %, at least 10 wt %, at least 15 wt %, at least20 wt %, at least 25 wt %, at least 30 wt %, at least 40 wt %, at least45 wt %, or 50 wt %. The marine fuel composition may comprise thehydroprocessed hydrocarbon component in an amount of at most 50 wt %, atmost 45 wt %, at most 40 wt %, at most 35 wt %, at most 30 wt %, at most25 wt %, at most 20 wt %, at most 15 wt %, at most 10 wt %, at most 5 wt%, or none. The marine fuel composition can comprise greater than 20 wt% of the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component. The hydroprocessedhydrocarbon component can be derived from oil cuts or cuts of apetrochemical origin which have been subjected to hydrotreatment orhydroprocessing, which can be referred to as hydrotreated. Non-limitingexamples of hydrotreatment or hydroprocessing includes hydrocracking,hydrodeoxygenation, hydrodesulphurization, hydrodenitrogenation and/orhydroisomerization.

In a particular embodiment, the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component cancomprise at least one of low-sulfur diesel (LSD) of less than about 500wppm of sulfur, particularly ultra low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) of less than15 or 10 wppm of sulfur; hydrotreated LCO; hydrotreated HCO;hydrotreated FCC cycle oil; hydrotreated pyrolysis gas oil, hydrotreatedPLGO, hydrotreated PHGO, hydrotreated CLGO, hydrotreated CHGO,hydrotreated coker heavy distillates, hydrotreated thermally crackedheavy distillate. In another embodiment, in addition to oralternatively, the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component can comprise atleast one of hydrotreated coker diesel, hydrotreated coker gas oil,hydrotreated thermally cracked diesel, hydrotreated thermally crackedgas oil, hydrotreated VGO, hydrotreated coker VGO, hydrotreatedresidues, hydrocracker bottoms (which can also be known as hydrocrackerhydrowax), hydrotreated thermally cracked VGO, and hydrotreatedhydrocracker DAO. In yet another embodiment, in addition to oralternatively, the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component can comprise atleast one of ultra low sulfur kerosene (ULSK), hydrotreated jet fuel,hydrotreated kerosene, hydrotreated coker kerosene, hydrocracker diesel,hydrocracker kerosene, hydrotreated thermally cracked kerosene. Whilepreferred, a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component is not required in amarine fuel composition described herein, particularly when a residualhydrocarbon component and a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component canprovide the marine fuel composition with the requisite or desiredproperties. Also, one or more kinds of hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent may be used to provide the marine fuel composition with thedesired characteristics.

Additionally or alternately, in certain embodiments, the marine fuelcomposition can comprise other components aside from components (i) theresidual hydrocarbon, (ii) the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon, and (iii) thenon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon. Such other components may typically bepresent in fuel additives. Examples of such other components caninclude, but are not limited to, detergents, viscosity modifiers, pourpoint depressants, lubricity modifiers, dehazers, e.g. alkoxylatedphenol formaldehyde polymers; anti-foaming agents (e.g.,polyether-modified polysiloxanes); ignition improvers (cetane improvers)(e.g. 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN), cyclohexyl nitrate, di-tert-butylperoxide and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,190 at column 2,line 27 to column 3, line 21); anti-rust agents (e.g. a propane-1,2-diolsemi-ester of tetrapropenyl succinic acid, or polyhydric alcohol estersof a succinic acid derivative, the succinic acid derivative having on atleast one of its alpha-carbon atoms an unsubstituted or substitutedaliphatic hydrocarbon group containing from 20 to 500 carbon atoms, e.g.the pentaerythritol diester of polyisobutylene-substituted succinicacid); corrosion inhibitors; reodorants; anti-wear additives;anti-oxidants (e.g. phenolics such as 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, orphenylenediamines such as N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine); metaldeactivators; static dissipator additives; combustion improvers; andmixtures thereof.

Examples of detergents suitable for use in fuel additives includepolyolefin substituted succinimides or succinamides of polyamines, forinstance polyisobutylene succinimides or polyisobutylene aminesuccinamides, aliphatic amines, Mannich bases or amines and polyolefin(e.g. polyisobutylene) maleic anhydrides. Succinimide dispersantadditives are described for example in GB-A-960493, EP-A-0147240,EP-A-0482253, EP-A-0613938, EP-A-0557516 and WO-A-98/42808.

In one embodiment, if present, a lubricity modifier enhancer may beconveniently used at a concentration of less than 1000 ppmw, preferablyfrom 50 to 1000 or from 100 to 1000 ppmw, more preferably from 50 to 500ppmw. Suitable commercially available lubricity enhancers include ester-and acid-based additives. It may also be preferred for the fuelcomposition to contain an anti-foaming agent, more preferably incombination with an anti-rust agent and/or a corrosion inhibitor and/ora lubricity modifying additive. Unless otherwise stated, theconcentration of each such additional component in the fuel compositionis preferably up to 10000 ppmw, more preferably in the range from 0.1 to1000 ppmw, advantageously from 0.1 to 300 ppmw, such as from 0.1 to 150ppmw (all additive concentrations quoted in this specification refer,unless otherwise stated, to active matter concentrations by weight). Theconcentration of any dehazer in the fuel composition will preferably bein the range from 0.1 to 20 ppmw, more preferably from 1 to 15 ppmw,still more preferably from 1 to 10 ppmw, advantageously from 1 to 5ppmw. The concentration of any ignition improver present will preferablybe 2600 ppmw or less, more preferably 2000 ppmw or less, convenientlyfrom 300 to 1500 ppmw.

If desired, one or more additive components, such as those listed above,may be co-mixed—preferably together with suitable diluent(s)—in anadditive concentrate, and the additive concentrate may then be dispersedinto the base fuel, or into the base fuel/wax blend, in order to preparea fuel composition according to the present invention.

In one embodiment, the marine fuel composition has a maximum sulfurcontent of 1000 wppm (parts per million by weight) or 0.1%. In someembodiments, the marine fuel composition can exhibit a sulfur content ina range of about 850 wppm to 1000 wppm, for example about 900 wppm, 950wppm, or 1000 wppm. In other embodiments, the marine fuel compositioncan exhibit a sulfur content of at most 1000 wppm, for example at most1000 wppm, at most 950 wppm, at most 900 wppm, at most 850 wppm, at most800 wppm, at most 750 wppm, at most 700 wppm, at most 650 wppm, at most600 wppm, at most 550 wppm, at most 500 wppm, at most 450 wppm, at most400 wppm, at most 350 wppm, at most 300 wppm, or at most 250 wppm. Insome embodiments, the marine fuel composition can exhibit a sulfurcontent of at least 250 wppm, at least 300 wppm, at least 350 wppm, atleast 400 wppm, at least 450 wppm, at least 500 wppm, at least 550 wppm,at least 600 wppm, at least 650 wppm, at least 700 wppm, at least 750wppm, at least 800 wppm, at least 850 wppm, or at least 900 wppm, atleast 950 wppm, at least 1000.

It is understood that the sulfur content of the residual hydrocarboncomponent, the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and/or thehydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, individually, can vary, as long asthe marine fuel composition as a whole meets the sulfur target contentrequirement for a certain embodiment. Likewise, in one embodiment, it isunderstood that other characteristics of the residual hydrocarboncomponent, the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and/or thehydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, individually, can vary, as long asthe marine fuel composition meets the requirements of a standardization,such as ISO 8217. As such, certain embodiments can allow for greater useof cracked materials, for example, 25 wt % or greater.

Still further additionally or alternately, in some embodiments, themarine fuel composition can exhibit one or more of the followingcharacteristics: a kinematic viscosity at about 50° C. (according to asuitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D445) of at most about 700cSt, for example at most 500 cSt, at most 380 cSt, at most 180 cSt, atmost 80 cSt, at most 55 cSt, at most 50 cSt, at most 45 cSt, at most 40cSt, at most 35 cSt, at most 30 cSt, at most 25 cSt, at most 20 cSt, atmost 15 cSt, at most 10 cSt, or at most 5 cSt; for example, about 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 cSt; akinematic viscosity at about 50° C. (according to a suitablestandardized test method, e.g., ASTM D445) of at least 5 cSt, forexample at least 10 cSt, at least 15 cSt, at least 20 cSt, at least 25cSt, at least 30 cSt, at least 35 cSt, at least 40 cSt, at least 45 cSt;at least 50 cSt, at least 55 cSt, at least 80 cSt, at least 180 cSt, atleast 380 cSt, at least 500 cSt, or at least 700 cSt; a density at about15° C. (according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTMD4052) of at most 1.010 g/cm³, for example, at most 1.005, at most1.000, at most 0.995, such as 0.991 g/cm³, at most 0.990 g/cm³, at most0.985 g/cm³, at most 0.980 g/cm³, at most 0.975 g/cm³, at most 0.970g/cm³, at most 0.965 g/cm³, at most 0.960 g/cm³, at most 0.955 g/cm³, atmost 0.950 g/cm³, at most 0.945 g/cm³, at most 0.940 g/cm³, at most0.935 g/cm³, at most 0.930 g/cm³, at most 0.925 g/cm³, at most 0.920g/cm³, at most 0.915 g/cm³, at most 0.910 g/cm³, at most 0.905 g/cm³, atmost 0.900 g/cm³, at most 0.895 g/cm³, at most 0.890 g/cm³, at most0.885 g/cm³, or at most 0.880 g/cm³; a density at about 15° C.(according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D4052) ofat least 0.870 g/cm³, at least 0.875 g/cm³, at least 0.880 g/cm, atleast 0.885 g/cm³, at least 0.890 g/cm³, at least 0.895 g/cm³, at least0.900 g/cm³, at least 0.905 g/cm³, at least 0.910 g/cm³, at least 0.915g/cm³, at least 0.920 g/cm³, at least 0.925 g/cm³, at least 0.930 g/cm³,at least 0.935 g/cm³, at least 0.940 g/cm³, at least 0.945 g/cm³, atleast 0.950 g/cm³, at least 0.955 g/cm³, at least 0.960 g/cm³, at least0.965 g/cm³, at least 0.970 g/cm³, at least 0.975 g/cm³, at least 0.980g/cm³, at least 0.985 g/cm³, at least 0.990 g/cm³, such as 0.991 g/cm³,at least 0.995 g/cm³, at least 1.000 g/cm³, at least 1.005 g/cm³, or atleast 1.010 g/cm³; a pour point (according to a suitable standardizedtest method, e.g., ASTM D97) of at most 35° C., at most 30° C., forexample, at most 28° C., at most 25° C., at most 20° C., at most 15° C.,at most 10° C., for example 6° C., at most 5° C., at most 0° C., at most−5° C., at most −10° C., at most −15° C., at most −20° C., at most −25°C., such as −27° C., or at most −30° C.; a pour point (according to asuitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D97) of at least −30° C.,such as −27° C., for example, at least −25° C., at least −20° C., atleast −15° C., at least −10° C., at least −5° C., at least 0° C., atleast 5° C., at least 7° C., at least 10° C., at least 15° C., at least20° C., at least 25° C., at least 30° C., or at least 35° C., and aflash point (according to a suitable standardized testing method, e.g.,ASTM D93 Proc. 9 (Automatic)) of at least about 60° C., for example, atleast 65° C., at least 70° C., at least 75° C., at least 80° C., atleast 85° C., at least 90° C., at least 95° C., at least 100° C., atleast 105° C., at least 110° C., at least 115° C., at least 120° C., atleast 125° C., or at least 130° C.; an acid number (also known as TotalAcid Number or TAN) of at most 2.5 mgKOH/g, for example, at most 2.0mgKOH/g, at most 1.5 mgKOH/g, at most 1.0 mgKOH/g, or at most 0.5mgKOH/g; an acid number of at least 0.5 mgKOH/g, at least 1.0 mgKOH/g,at least 1.5 mgKOH/g, at least 2.0 mgKOH/g, or at least 2.5 mgKOH/g.

In one embodiment, the marine fuel composition may exhibit one or moreof the following characteristics: a kinematic viscosity at about 50° C.(according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D445) in arange of about 0 to 700 cSt, for example, at most 700.0 cSt, at most500.0 cSt, at most 380.0 cSt, at most 180.0 cSt, at most 80.00 cSt, atmost 30.00 cSt, or at most 10.00 cSt; a density at about 15° C.(according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D4052) ina range of about 0.870 to 1.010 g/cm³, for example, at most 0.920 g/cm³,at most 0.960 g/cm³, at most 0.975 g/cm³, at most 0.991 g/cm³, or atmost 1.010 g/cm³, particularly, at least 0.890 g/cm³; a pour point(according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D97) in arange of about −30 to 35° C., such as −27 to 30° C., for example, atmost 6 to 30 degrees C. or at most 0 to 30 degrees C.; a flash point(according to a suitable standardized testing method, e.g., ASTM D93Proc. 9 (Automatic)) in a range of about 60 to 130° C., for example, atleast 60 degrees C.; an acid number in a range of about 0.0 to 2.5mgKOH/g, for example, at most about 2.5 mgKOH/g.

Yet still further additionally or alternately, the low sulfur marineand/or bunker fuels, e.g., made according to the methods disclosedherein, can exhibit at least one of the following characteristics: ahydrogen sulfide content (according to a suitable standardized testmethod, e.g., IP 570) of at most about 2.0 mg/kg; an acid number(according to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D-664) ofat most about 2.5 mg KOH per gram; a sediment content (according toaccording to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D4870 Proc.B) of at most about 0.1 wt %; a water content (according to according toaccording to a suitable standardized test method, e.g., ASTM D95) of atmost about 0.5 vol %, for example about 0.3 vol %; an ash content(according to a suitable standardized testing method, e.g., ASTM D482)of at most about 0.15 wt %, for example, about 0.10 wt %, 0.07 wt %, or0.04 wt %, and a Calculated Carbon Aromaticity Index (CCAI) number of atmost 870, such as at most 850 or 860.

According to a yet further aspect, there is provided a process for thepreparation of a marine fuel composition comprising at least about 50and up to 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component and at least about10 and up to 50 wt % of other components selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof, wherein the marine fuelcomposition has a sulfur content of about 0.1 wt % (1000 wppm) or less.The process involves selecting a relative composition amount andmaterial of the residual hydrocarbon component; selecting a relativecomposition amount and material of the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent and/or hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component based on theresidual hydrocarbon component selection to provide the compositionsulfur content of about 0.1 wt % or less; and blending the selectedcomponents to form the marine fuel composition. In one embodiment, theselected residual hydrocarbon component has a sulfur content of 0.4 wt %or less. In another embodiment, the residual hydrocarbon component,non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component and/or hydroprocessedhydrocarbon component are selected to provide the marine fuelcomposition with characteristics that meet a standard specification,such as, but not limited to ISO 8217.

To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, thefollowing examples of preferred or representative embodiments are given.In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or to define,the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The following are non-limiting Examples 1-107 of exemplary embodimentsof the marine fuel composition described herein. The residualhydrocarbon component can comprise at least one of two types of longresidues: ATB(1) and ATB(2). The non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, if present, can be selected from a group consisting of slurryoil, pyrolysis gas oil (“Pygas oil”), LCO, thermally cracked residue(which can also be known as thermal tar), and Group I slack waxes. Thehydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, if present, can be selected from agroup consisting of hydroprocessed LCO that contains up to 400 wppm ofsulfur (“400 LCO”), hydroprocessed LCO that contains up to 15 wppm ofsulfur (“15 LCO”), ULSD, and hydrocracker bottoms (which can also beknown as hydrowax). Examples 1-101 are prophetic examples, and thecharacteristics of these materials in Examples 1-101 are provided inTable 1 below.

TABLE 1 Characteristics of respective components in Examples 1-101Density Flash Viscosity @ @ ~15° C. Sulfur Pour Point Point ~50° C.(kg/m³) (wppm) (° C.) (° C.) (CSt) ATB (1) ~0.910 ~1000 ~45 ~124 ~165ATB (2) ~0.941 ~1130 ~−2 ~207 ~880 Slurry Oil ~1.093 ~4000 ~0 ~100 ~800Pygas Oil ~0.960 ~1000 ~0 ~80 ~10 LCO ~0.989 ~1590 ~−15 ~80 ~10 ThermalTar ~1.026 ~5000 ~6 ~66 ~1213 Slack Wax ~0.814 ~32 ~35 ~60 ~10 400 LCO~0.880 ~400 ~−15 ~88 ~2 15 LCO ~0.959 ~15 ~−18 ~61 ~2 ULSD ~0.860 ~15 ~0~60 ~2 Hydrowax ~0.838 ~100 ~39 ~210 ~18

Examples 1-11

In prophetic Examples 1-11, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 55 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component. In Examples1-6, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 20 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 35 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 7-11,the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 35 wt % of long residuesATB(1) and 20 wt % of long residues ATB(2). The remaining about 45 wt %of the respective marine fuel composition can be selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof. Table 2 below summarizes the blendcontent of the marine fuel composition in Examples 1-11.

TABLE 2 Blend content of Examples 1-11 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 1 20 35 0 0 18 0 0 27 0 0 0 Ex. 2 20 35 5 0 10 0 0 0 030 0 Ex. 3 20 35 0 0 25 0 20 0 0 0 0 Ex. 4 20 35 0 0 20 0 0 0 10 0 15Ex. 5 20 35 0 25 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 Ex. 6 20 35 0 0 20 1 0 0 24 0 0 Ex. 7 3520 0 0 20 0 0 25 0 0 0 Ex. 8 35 20 5 0 10 0 0 0 0 30 0 Ex. 9 35 20 0 025 0 20 0 0 0 0 Ex. 10 35 20 0 0 20 0 0 0 10 0 15 Ex. 11 35 20 0 25 0 00 0 20 0 0

Table 3 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 1-11 would be expected to have, as measured by arespective standard testing method.

TABLE 3 Expected characteristics of the marine fuel composition inExamples 1-11 Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15°C. (g/cc) (wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 1 0.925 990 14.2 100.223.8 Ex. 2 0.919 959 16.3 81.2 26.1 Ex. 3 0.917 999 22.5 108.0 54.0 Ex.4 0.928 930 21.7 95.8 44.1 Ex. 5 0.943 849 15.5 85.2 29.0 Ex. 6 0.949967 14.1 83.4 26.9 Ex. 7 0.923 994 23.1 98.7 21.9 Ex. 8 0.915 940 24.680.8 22.7 Ex. 9 0.913 980 29.2 106.4 45.6 Ex. 10 0.924 911 28.6 94.937.5 Ex. 11 0.938 829 24.0 84.7 25.1

Examples 12-30

In prophetic Examples 12-30, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 60 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component. In Examples12 to 18, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 20 wt % oflong residues ATB(1) and 40 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 19to 30, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 30 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 30 wt % of long residues ATB(2). The remaining about40 wt % of the respective marine fuel composition can be selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof. Table 4 below summarizes the blendcontent of the marine fuel composition in Examples 12-30.

TABLE 4 Blend content of Examples 12-30 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 12 20 40 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 20 Ex. 13 20 40 0 0 20 0 20 00 0 0 Ex. 14 20 40 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 20 0 Ex. 15 20 40 0 0 15 0 0 25 0 0 0Ex. 16 20 40 0 0 21 0 0 0 19 0 0 Ex. 17 20 40 0 25 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 Ex. 1820 40 0 0 17 1 0 0 22 0 0 Ex. 19 30 30 0 0 22 0 0 0 18 0 0 Ex. 20 30 305 0 0 0 0 35 0 0 0 Ex. 21 30 30 0 0 17 1 0 0 22 0 0 Ex. 22 30 30 0 0 150 0 25 0 0 0 Ex. 23 30 30 0 30 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 Ex. 24 30 30 8 0 0 0 0 0 032 0 Ex. 25 30 30 0 0 20 0 20 0 0 0 0 Ex. 26 30 30 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 20Ex. 27 30 30 0 20 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 Ex. 28 30 30 0 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 Ex. 2930 30 0 30 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 Ex. 30 30 30 0 20 10 0 0 0 10 0 0

Table 5 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 12-30 would be expected to have, as measured bya respective standard testing method.

TABLE 5 Expected characteristics of the marine fuel composition inExamples 12-30 Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15°C. (g/cc) (wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 12 0.921 990 24.0 112.480.5 Ex. 13 0.915 976 22.7 112.5 67.1 Ex. 14 0.926 973 15.6 85.9 35.0Ex. 15 0.925 991 14.4 102.8 30.2 Ex. 16 0.947 989 14.3 87.1 36.1 Ex. 170.942 904 15.8 89.0 40.8 Ex. 18 0.947 976 14.4 85.5 34.3 Ex. 19 0.944992 20.5 87.1 33.5 Ex. 20 0.916 979 20.9 106.1 24.6 Ex. 21 0.944 96321.7 85.2 32.8 Ex. 22 0.922 978 20.7 101.9 27.3 Ex. 23 0.930 979 22.099.2 42.9 Ex. 24 0.914 964 22.5 81.7 29.8 Ex. 25 0.912 963 27.3 111.159.6 Ex. 26 0.918 977 28.4 111.1 71.1 Ex. 27 0.922 919 21.6 101.0 31.6Ex. 28 0.906 799 20.7 105.0 18.3 Ex. 29 0.939 941 22.0 91.2 42.9 Ex. 300.941 1000 21.5 91.2 42.9

Examples 31-61

In prophetic Examples 31-61, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 70 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component. In Examples31-42, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 30 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 40 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 43-55,the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 40 wt % of long residuesATB(1) and 30 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 56-61, theresidual hydrocarbon component can comprise 50 wt % of long residuesATB(1) and 20 wt % of long residues ATB(2). The remaining about 30 wt %of the respective marine fuel composition can be selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof. Table 6 below summarizes the blendcontent of the marine fuel composition in Examples 31-61.

TABLE 6 Blend content of Examples 31-61 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 31 30 40 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 15 0 Ex. 32 30 40 5 0 0 0 0 100 15 0 Ex. 33 30 40 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 Ex. 34 30 40 0 20 0 0 0 10 0 0 0Ex. 35 30 40 0 24 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Ex. 36 30 40 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 Ex. 3730 40 0 0 11 1 0 0 18 0 Ex. 38 30 40 0 0 15 0 0 0 5 0 10 Ex. 39 30 40 00 10 0 0 0 0 0 20 Ex. 40 30 40 0 0 10 0 0 20 0 0 0 Ex. 41 30 40 0 0 15 00 0 15 0 0 Ex. 42 30 40 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 15 0 Ex. 43 40 30 0 10 10 0 0 010 0 0 Ex. 44 40 30 0 0 15 0 0 0 5 0 10 Ex. 45 40 30 0 0 16 0 14 0 0 0 0Ex. 46 40 30 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 14 0 Ex. 47 40 30 0 0 11 0 0 19 0 0 0 Ex. 4840 30 0 20 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 Ex. 49 40 30 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 10 Ex. 50 40 305 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 Ex. 51 40 30 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 10 0 Ex. 52 40 30 0 0 0 00 19 0 0 11 Ex. 53 40 30 0 0 13 0 12 5 0 0 0 Ex. 54 40 30 0 0 13 0 0 7 00 10 Ex. 55 40 30 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 15 0 Ex. 56 50 20 0 0 12 0 0 18 0 0 0Ex. 57 50 20 0 0 15 0 0 0 15 0 0 Ex. 58 50 20 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 Ex. 5950 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 0 Ex. 60 50 20 0 5 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 Ex. 61 50 20 50 0 0 0 0 25 0 0

Table 7 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 31-61 would be expected to have, as measured bya respective standard testing method.

TABLE 7 Expected characteristics of the marine fuel composition inExamples 31-61 Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15°C. (g/cc) (wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 31 0.925 993 21.7 91.355.1 Ex. 32 0.918 994 22.0 93.7 48.7 Ex. 33 0.917 995 26.1 116.4 94.1Ex. 34 0.929 992 22.0 105.4 65.4 Ex. 35 0.937 993 22.1 98.1 75.4 Ex. 360.930 993 22.4 97.7 75.4 Ex. 37 0.940 980 21.0 90.0 52.1 Ex. 38 0.9281001 25.1 104.9 85.8 Ex. 39 0.913 931 28.7 123.2 114.4 Ex. 40 0.923 99121.0 107.8 46.7 Ex. 41 0.941 993 20.9 92.0 55.1 Ex. 42 0.925 993 21.791.3 55.1 Ex. 43 0.936 1000 26.3 94.6 58.1 Ex. 44 0.924 988 29.4 104.075.7 Ex. 45 0.915 998 30.0 113.7 82.8 Ex. 46 0.923 996 26.5 91.4 50.8Ex. 47 0.921 990 26.0 106.5 43.2 Ex. 48 0.925 979 26.7 104.5 58.1 Ex. 490.915 948 29.4 112.8 63.4 Ex. 50 0.939 943 26.0 87.4 43.6 Ex. 51 0.907821 26.3 96.8 30.9 Ex. 52 0.904 826 29.7 117.0 47.3 Ex. 53 0.914 97029.4 113.3 69.1 Ex. 54 0.918 984 29.4 111.9 70.4 Ex. 55 0.922 980 26.590.8 49.2 Ex. 56 0.919 989 30.1 105.3 40.0 Ex. 57 0.934 967 30.0 91.044.0 Ex. 58 0.907 846 30.1 108.2 28.0 Ex. 59 0.930 731 30.0 84.1 28.0Ex. 60 0.930 780 30.1 86.1 32.4 Ex. 61 0.936 930 30.1 87.0 39.1

Examples 62-71

In prophetic Examples 62-71, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 75 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component, which cancomprise 45 wt % of long residues ATB(1) and 30 wt % of long residuesATB(2). The remaining about 25 wt % of the respective marine fuelcomposition can be selected from a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, and a combinationthereof. Table 8 below summarizes the blend content of the marine fuelcomposition in Examples 62-71.

TABLE 8 Blend content of Examples 62-71 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 62 45 30 0 0 13 0 0 0 12 0 0 Ex. 63 45 30 0 20 0 0 0 05 0 0 Ex. 64 45 30 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 Ex. 65 45 30 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0Ex. 66 45 30 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 12 0 Ex. 67 45 30 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 5 Ex. 6845 30 0 17 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 Ex. 69 45 30 0 0 0 0 5 20 0 0 0 Ex. 70 45 30 00 9 0 0 16 0 0 0 Ex. 71 45 30 0 0 10 0 5 10 0 0 0

Table 9 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 62-71 would be expected to have, as measured bya respective standard testing method.

TABLE 9 Characteristics of the marine fuel composition in Examples 62-71Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15° C. (g/cc)(wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 62 0.935 998 28.2 95.1 63.6 Ex.63 0.931 990 28.9 100.5 81.7 Ex. 64 0.926 990 29.1 100.1 81.7 Ex. 650.911 889 28.3 111.8 41.4 Ex. 66 0.922 998 28.7 94.5 63.6 Ex. 67 0.909874 29.9 115.4 50.6 Ex. 68 0.925 991 28.9 107.2 73.2 Ex. 69 0.907 87129.6 115.4 48.6 Ex. 70 0.921 996 28.3 109.2 55.5 Ex. 71 0.918 990 29.6112.1 68.2

Examples 72-91

In prophetic Examples 72-91, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 80 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component. In Examples72 to 83, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 30 wt % oflong residues ATB(1) and 50 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 84to 91, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 40 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 40 wt % of long residues ATB(2). The remaining about20 wt % of the respective marine fuel composition can be selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof. Table 10 below summarizes theblend content of the marine fuel composition in Examples 72-91.

TABLE 10 Blend content of Examples 72-91 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-Hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 72 30 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 Ex. 73 30 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 020 0 Ex. 74 30 50 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 Ex. 75 30 50 0 0 8 0 0 0 12 0 0 Ex.76 30 50 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 12 0 Ex. 77 30 50 0 9 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 Ex. 78 30 500 13 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 Ex. 79 30 50 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 Ex. 80 30 50 0 13 0 07 0 0 0 0 Ex. 81 30 50 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 Ex. 82 30 50 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 013 Ex. 83 30 50 0 0 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 Ex. 84 40 40 0 0 9 0 0 0 11 0 0 Ex.85 40 40 0 11 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 Ex. 86 40 40 0 14 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 Ex. 87 40 400 14 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Ex. 88 40 40 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Ex. 89 40 40 0 14 0 00 0 0 6 0 Ex. 90 40 40 0 0 9 0 11 0 0 0 0 Ex. 91 40 40 0 0 5 0 0 15 0 00

Table 11 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 72-91 would be expected to have, as measured bya respective standard testing method.

TABLE 11 Characteristics of the marine fuel composition in Examples72-91 Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15° C. (g/cc)(wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 72 0.935 868 21.3 93.0 72.0 Ex.73 0.914 868 22.3 92.0 72.0 Ex. 74 0.919 945 21.4 117.9 72.0 Ex. 750.937 994 21.3 98.5 96.7 Ex. 76 0.924 994 22.0 97.7 96.7 Ex. 77 0.926999 21.8 114.5 100.4 Ex. 78 0.935 996 22.0 102.9 117.3 Ex. 79 0.928 99622.3 102.3 117.3 Ex. 80 0.924 997 24.4 118.9 156.0 Ex. 81 0.924 993 25.2120.2 169.9 Ex. 82 0.920 989 26.6 128.7 179.3 Ex. 83 0.918 996 25.5126.8 156.0 Ex. 84 0.934 997 26.2 98.6 88.2 Ex. 85 0.924 998 26.7 112.595.1 Ex. 86 0.922 994 28.5 115.9 135.3 Ex. 87 0.932 993 26.8 103.0 106.6Ex. 88 0.924 998 28.9 115.9 144.0 Ex. 89 0.926 993 27.0 102.5 106.6 Ex.90 0.917 999 29.4 122.7 135.3 Ex. 91 0.921 992 26.3 114.4 76.1

Examples 92-101

In prophetic Examples 92-101, each of the marine fuel composition caninclude about 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component. In Examples92 to 95, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 40 wt % oflong residues ATB(1) and 50 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 96to 99, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 45 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 45 wt % of long residues ATB(2). In Examples 100 to101, the residual hydrocarbon component can comprise 48 wt % of longresidues ATB(1) and 42 wt % of long residues ATB(2). The remaining about10 wt % of the respective marine fuel composition can be selected from anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component, a hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, and a combination thereof. Table 12 below summarizes theblend content of the marine fuel composition in Examples 92-101.

TABLE 12 Blend content of Examples 92-101 Blend content (wt %) ResidualNon-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed component component component ATB ATBSlurry Pygas Thermal Slack 400 15 Hydro (1) (2) Oil Oil LCO tar Wax LCOLCO ULSD wax Ex. 92 40 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 Ex. 93 40 50 0 0 0 0 10 0 00 0 Ex. 94 40 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Ex. 95 40 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 Ex.96 45 45 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 Ex. 97 45 45 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 Ex. 98 45 450 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 Ex. 99 45 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 Ex. 100 48 42 0 0 0 00 0 10 0 0 Ex. 101 48 42 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0

Table 13 below provides certain characteristics that the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 92-101 would be expected to have, as measured bya respective standard testing method.

TABLE 13 Characteristics of the marine fuel composition in Examples92-101 Pour Density @ Sulfur Point Flash Point Viscosity @ ~15° C.(g/cc) (wppm) (° C.) (° C.) ~50° C. (cSt) Ex. 92 0.930 967 26.5 105.6151.3 Ex. 93 0.914 968 29.4 145.1 233.3 Ex. 94 0.917 975 30.0 144.9261.7 Ex. 95 0.920 967 27.0 104.7 151.3 Ex. 96 0.920 999 28.7 125.1140.9 Ex. 97 0.920 999 28.7 125.1 140.9 Ex. 98 0.928 960 28.6 105.2140.9 Ex. 99 0.918 960 29.0 104.3 140.9 Ex. 100 0.927 956 29.8 104.9135.1 Ex. 101 0.919 995 29.9 124.4 135.1

Examples 102-106

The following are non-limiting Examples 102-106 of exemplary embodimentsof the marine fuel composition described herein. The residualhydrocarbon component included at least one of two types of longresidues: ATB(1) and ATB(2). The non-hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent, if used, was slurry oil. The hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent was ULSD. The characteristics of these materials are providedin Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 Characteristics of blending components in Examples 102-106 LongLong residues residues Characteristic (ATB (1)) (ATB (2)) Slurry OilULSD Density @ ~15° C. (g/cc) ~0.91 ~0.94 ~1.09 ~0.83 KinematicViscosity @ ~180 ~880 ~800 ~2 ~50° C. or ~122° F. (cSt) Sulfur (wppm)~1250 ~1130 ~4000 ~7 Pour Point (° C.) ~42 ~−2 ~0 ~0 Flash Point (° C.)~>110 ~207 ~100 ~60

Table 15 below summarizes the blend content of the marine fuelcomposition in Examples 102-106.

TABLE 15 Blend content of Examples 102-106 Blend content ResidualComponent Non-hydroprocessed Hydroprocessed (wt %) ATB (1) ATB (2)Slurry Oil ULSD Ex. 102 20 32 5 43 Ex. 103 32 32 2 34 Ex. 104 30 40 0 30Ex. 105 30 50 0 20 Ex. 106 30 55 0 15

Table 16 below provides certain characteristics of the marine fuelcomposition of Examples 102-106, as measured by the respective ASTMmethod. As can be seen below, the marine fuel composition of Examples102-106 exhibited a sulfur content that is less than 0.1 wt %, whichwould allow these compositions to be used in geographical locations thatare or will be under more stringent regulations government the sulfurcontent of marine fuels. In addition, the marine fuel composition ofExamples 102-106 exhibited characteristics that allow them, if necessaryor desired, to meet specifications that govern residual-based marinefuels, particularly ISO 8217.

TABLE 16 Characteristics of the marine fuel composition of Examples102-106 Test Method Characteristic Ex. 102 Ex. 103 Ex. 104 Ex. 105 Ex.106 ASTM API Gravity 27.5 27.3 27.0 25.1 24.5 D4052 @ ~60° F. Density @889.3 890.6 892.3 903.2 907.0 ~15° C. (kg/m³) ASTM Viscosity @ 21.1613.77 27.03 52.88 62.65 D445  ~122° F. (cSt) ASTM Sulfur 0.094 0.0920.082 0.089 0.100 D4294 Content (mass %) ASTM Water by <0.05 <0.05 <0.05<0.05 <0.05 D95  Distillation (% (v/v)) ASTM Flash Point 64.5 69.5 71.580.5 85.0 D93  ( ° C.) Proc. B Flash Point 148 157 161 177 185(Automatic) (° F.) ASTM Pour Point −21 −6 12 6 12 D97  ( ° C.) PourPoint −6 21 54 43 54 (° F.) ASTM Accelerated 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.01 <0.01D4870 Total Proc. B Sediment (% (m/m)) ASTM Ash Content 0.030 0.03 0.0330.049 0.041 D482  (mass %) IP 501 Vanadium <1 1 1 1 1 (ppm (mg/kg))Sodium 8 11 12 11 14 (ppm (mg/kg)) Aluminum 6 6 1 <1 1 (ppm (mg/kg))Silicon 12 15 13 27 10 (ppm (mg/kg)) Calcium 73 69 85 116 114 (ppm(mg/kg)) Zinc 1 1 2 3 2 (ppm (mg/kg)) Phosphorus <1 <1 1 2 1 (ppm(mg/kg)) ASTM Micro 2.58 2.70 2.75 3.57 3.78 D4530 Carbon Residue (%(m/m)) ASTM Total Acid 1.16 1.22 1.49 1.88 2.19 D664  Number (mg KOH/g)IP 570 H₂S Content 0.00 0.00 0.00 <0.01 <0.4 ( ppm (mg/kg)) ISO-FDISCalculated 790.3 800.3 788.7 788.6 789.9 8217 Carbon Aromaticity Index(CCAI)

Example 107

Example 107 is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the marine fuelcomposition described herein. The relative fuel composition of themarine fuel composition was about 60 wt % of a residual hydrocarboncomponent, about 12 wt % of a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component,and about 28 wt % of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component. Inparticular, the residual hydrocarbon component was long residues or ATB;the non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component included about 4 wt % of afirst type of slurry oil (Slurry Oil (1), about 8 wt % of a second typeof slurry oil (Slurry Oil (2)); and the hydroprocessed hydrocarboncomponent was hydrotreated diesel oil. The properties of thesecomponents are listed in Table 17 below.

TABLE 17 Blend content and characteristics of blending components inExample 107 Long residues Slurry Oil Slurry Oil HydrotreatedCharacteristic (ATB) (1) (2) Diesel Blend content (wt %) ~60 ~4 ~8 ~28Density @ ~15° C. ~0.91 ~0.95 ~1.09 ~0.8450 (g/cc) Viscosity @ ~50° C.~159 ~42 ~220 ~3 (cSt) Sulfur (wppm) ~1200 ~2700 ~2200 ~50 Pour Point (°C.) ~45 ~30 ~3 ~−8 Flash Point (° C.) ~110 ~110 ~155 ~80

Table 18 below provides certain characteristics, as measured by therespective ISO method, of the marine fuel composition of Example 107. Ascan be seen below, the marine fuel composition of Example 107 had asulfur content that is less than 0.1 wt %, which would allow it to beused in geographical locations that are or will be under more stringentregulations government the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition,the marine fuel composition of Example 112 exhibited characteristicsthat allow it, if necessary or desired, to meet specifications thatgovern residual-based marine fuels, particularly ISO 8217.

TABLE 18 Characteristics of the marine fuel composition of Example 107Characteristic Test Method Unit Value Density at 15° C. ISO 12185 kg/m³903.7 Kinematic Viscosity at 50° C. ISO 3104 mm²/s 26.78 Total SulphurISO 8754 % m/m 0.097 Flash Point ISO 2719 B ° C. 81.0 Water ISO 3733 %m/m <0.1 Pour Point ISO 3016 ° C. 30 (Automatic) Total SedimentAccelerated ISO 10307-2 B % m/m <0.01 Carbon Residue ISO 10370 % m/m3.03 Ash Content ISO 6245 % m/m <0.001 Total Acid Number ASTM D 664 mgKOH/g 0.08 Aluminum IP 501 mg/kg <5 Silicon IP 501 mg/kg <10 Aluminumplus Silicon IP 501 mg/kg <15 Vanadium IP 501 mg/kg 2 Sodium IP 501mg/kg 15 Calcium IP 501 mg/kg 3 Phosphorus IP 501 mg/kg 1 Zinc IP 501mg/kg 1 CCAI ISO 8217 800 Hydrogen Sulphide IP 570 A mg/kg <0.60

Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are well adapted toattain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that areinherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above areillustrative only, as the present invention may be modified andpracticed in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilledin the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, nolimitations are intended to the details of construction or design hereinshown, other than as described in the claims below. It is thereforeevident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above maybe altered, combined, substituted, or modified and all such variationsare considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Theinvention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced inthe absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed hereinand/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions andmethods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or“including” various components or steps, the compositions and methodscan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsand steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by someamount whether accompanied by the term “about” or not. In particular,the phrase “from about a to about b” is equivalent to the phrase “fromapproximately a to b,” or a similar form thereof. Also, the terms in theclaims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitlyand clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles“a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one ormore than one of the element that it introduces. If there is anyconflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and oneor more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein byreference, the definitions that are consistent with this specificationshould be adopted.

1. A marine fuel composition comprising: greater than 50 wt % to 90 wt %of a residual hydrocarbon component comprising an atmospheric towerbottoms (ATB) residues with a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. ofat least 100 cSt; and wherein the marine fuel composition has akinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of at least 10 cSt.
 2. The marinefuel composition of claim 1 wherein the sulphur content of the marinefuel composition is in a range of 400 to 1000 wppm.
 3. The marine fuelcomposition of claim 1 which exhibits at least one of the following: ahydrogen sulfide content of at most 2.0 mg/kg; an acid number of at most2.5 mg KOH per gram; a sediment content of at most 0.1 wt %; a watercontent of at most 0.5 vol %; and an ash content of at most 0.15 wt %.4. The marine fuel composition of claim 1 which has at least one of thefollowing: a density at 15 degrees C. in a range of 0.870 to 1.010g/cm³, a pour point of ˜30 to 35 degrees C., and a flash point of atleast 60 degrees C.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The marine fuel composition ofclaim 1 wherein the residual hydrocarbon component further comprisesvacuum tower bottoms (VTB) residues.
 7. The marine fuel composition ofclaim 1 wherein the atmospheric tower bottoms (ATB) residues whichexhibit at least one of the following: a pour point in a range of −19.0to 64 degrees C., a flash point in a range of 80 to 213 degrees C.; anacid number of up to 8.00 mgKOH/g; and a density at ˜15 degrees C. of atmost about 1.0 g/cc.
 8. The marine fuel composition of claim 1 whereinthe residual hydrocarbon component comprises a first atmospheric towerbottoms (ATB) residues which exhibits at least one of the following apour point of about 45 degrees C., a flash point of about 124 degreesC.; a density at ˜15 degrees C. of about 0.91 g/cm³, and a kinematicviscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of at least 165 cSt.
 9. The marine fuelcomposition of claim 8 wherein the residual hydrocarbon componentcomprises a second atmospheric tower bottoms (ATB) residues whichexhibits at least one of the following a pour point of about −2 degreesC., a flash point of about 207 degrees C.; a density at ˜15 degrees C.of about 0.94 g/cm³, and a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of atleast 880 cSt.
 10. The marine fuel composition of claim 9 comprising atleast 20 wt % of the first atmospheric tower bottoms (ATB) residues andat least 30 wt % of the second atmospheric tower bottoms (ATB) residues.11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. The marine fuel composition of claim 6wherein the vacuum tower bottoms (VTB) residues exhibit at least one ofthe following: a density at 15 degrees C. in a range of 0.8 to 1.1 g/cc;a pour point in a range of −15.0 to 95 degrees C., a flash point in arange of 220 to 335 degrees C.; an acid number of up to 8.00 mgKOH/g;and a kinematic viscosity at 50 degrees C. in a range of 3.75 to 15000cSt.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The marine fuel composition of claim 1 furthercomprising a non-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component comprising atleast one of vacuum gas oil (VGO), coker diesel, coker gas oil, cokerVGO, thermally cracked VGO, thermally cracked diesel, thermally crackedgas oil, Group I slack waxes, lube oil aromatic extracts, anddeasphalted oil (DAO).
 16. (canceled)
 17. The marine fuel composition ofclaim 1 further comprising a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon componentcomprising at least one of hydrotreated coker diesel, hydrotreated cokergas oil, hydrotreated thermally cracked diesel, hydrotreated VGO,hydrotreated coker VGO, hydrotreated residues, hydrocracker bottoms,hydrotreated thermally cracked VGO, and hydrotreated DAO.
 18. The marinefuel composition of claim 1 further comprising a non-hydroprocessedhydrocarbon component comprising at least one of light cycle oil (LCO),heavy cycle oil (HCO), fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) cycle oil, FCCslurry oil, pyrolysis gas oil, cracked light gas oil (CLGO), crackedheavy gas oil (CHGO), pyrolysis light gas oil (PLGO), pyrolysis heavygas oil (PHGO), thermally cracked residue, thermally cracked heavydistillate, and coker heavy distillates.
 19. The marine fuel compositionof claim 1 further comprising a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon componentcomprising at least one of low-sulfur diesel (LSD) having a sulphurcontent of less than 500 wppm, ultra low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) having asulphur HL: CRC content of less than 15 wppm; hydrotreated light cycleoil (LCO); hydrotreated heavy cycle oil (HCO); hydrotreated pyrolysisgas oil, hydrotreated thermally cracked heavy distillate, hydrotreatedthermally cracked gas oil, and hydrocracker diesel.
 20. The marine fuelcomposition of claim 1 with a micro carbon residue of greater than 0.30%m/m.
 21. The marine fuel composition of claim 1 wherein at least 10 wt %of the residual hydrocarbon component has a boiling point of at least435 degrees C.
 22. A marine fuel composition comprising: greater than 50wt % to 90 wt % of a residual hydrocarbon component comprising a vacuumtower bottoms (VTB) residues with a kinematic viscosity at ˜50 degreesC. of at least 100 cSt; and wherein the marine fuel composition has akinematic viscosity at ˜50 degrees C. of at least 10 cSt.
 23. The marinefuel composition of claim 22 further comprising: at least 10 wt % of anon-hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component comprising at least one oflight cycle oil (LCO), heavy cycle oil (HCO), fluid catalytic cracking(FCC) cycle oil, FCC slurry oil, pyrolysis gas oil, cracked light gasoil (CLGO), cracked heavy gas oil (CHGO), pyrolysis light gas oil(PLGO), pyrolysis heavy gas oil (PHGO), thermally cracked residue,thermally cracked heavy distillate, and coker heavy distillates.
 24. Themarine fuel composition of claim 22 further comprising: at least 10 wt %of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon component comprising at least one oflow-sulfur diesel (LSD) having a sulphur content of less than 500 wppm,ultra low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) having a sulphur content of less than 15wppm; hydrotreated light cycle oil (LCO); hydrotreated heavy cycle oil(HCO); hydrotreated pyrolysis gas oil, hydrotreated thermally crackedheavy distillate, hydrotreated thermally cracked gas oil, andhydrocracker diesel.
 25. The marine fuel composition of claim 22 whereinthe residual hydrocarbon component has a sulfur content of at most 0.4wt %.
 26. The marine fuel composition of claim 22 with a micro carbonresidue of greater than 0.30% m/m.
 27. The marine fuel composition ofclaim 22 wherein at least 10 wt % of the residual hydrocarbon componenthas a boiling point of at least 435 degrees C.